Thursday, January 11, 2024

DEAR FIRST UNIVERSALIST,

I was asked recently how I see my role as Moderator relating to nurturing and encouraging new leaders in our church community. This prompts me to share that I believe there are many, many ways people lead in our community. Some choose to serve on committees or task forces, others lend their voice to the choir that inspires us all, others take on “behind the scenes” tasks, and still others provide a listening ear and open heart for those in need. Of course, these roles are not mutually exclusive. I believe as Moderator my role is to support an environment where all of these and other ways of leading are possible, while encouraging all members to consider adding their voices and perspectives to further enrich our community.

Demonstrating this synergy of community and leadership, I want to thank everyone who contributed, in a variety of ways, to our successful end-of-year fundraising effort which slightly exceeded our goal of $25,000! This campaign wouldn’t have been possible without our Wind Crest members who committed $10,000 in matching funds and our anonymous donor who encouraged us to stretch 10% more. Special thanks to Katie Edwards, Executive Director, Kailey Capuano, Communications Coordinator and Rev Eric for their creativity and support.

As you know, First Universalist has a long history of supporting (in many ways) reproductive rights. Building on that legacy, at the December meeting the Board voted unanimously to support the Reproductive Rights Task Force (RRTF) in the collection of petition signatures and other opportunities within our community, and with other churches to place Ballot Initiative 89 (see below) on the November ballot. The Board agreed to have First Universalist listed as a formal endorsing organization of this effort. Our RRTF will be working closely with the Colorado Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice Coalition (CO RHRJ) and will soon share more information about how you can become involved. Here is the proposed Initiative language:

Proposed Initiative 89:
“A change to the Colorado constitution recognizing the right to abortion, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the state and local governments from denying, impeding, or discriminating against the exercise of that right, allowing abortion to be a covered service under health insurance plans for Colorado state and local government employees and enrollees in state and local governmental insurance programs.”

Our faith has a strong tradition of supporting a woman’s right to choose (uua.org), and we believe that in keeping with our values and history, citizens of Colorado deserve the opportunity to vote on it.

Lastly, at our January meeting, the Board reviewed the first draft of the 2024-25 Goal Budget, which will be presented at the February 11 Congregational meeting. Prior to that, there will be informational sessions where the content will be reviewed, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input. Please keep an eye out for those opportunities!

Best to you all as we embark together on an exciting 2024!

John Ehrmann, Moderator
(he/him/his)
moderator@firstuniversalist.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

John Ehrmann, Moderator (2024)
Cheryll Paull, Vice Moderator (2024)
Morti Longsdorf, Treasurer (2024)
Peter Christensen, Secretary (2026)
Josephine Hehnke (2025)
Paul Hoskins (2025)
Toni Nading (2026)
Christian Onsager (2025)
Dee Sweeney (2026)
Rev. Eric Banner, ex officio non-voting member

CONTACT: board@firstuniversalist.org